Essential Oil 101 (13): Essential Oil Constituent Categories Part III
Few people appreciate how chemically complex essential oils are. They are rich tapestries of literally hundred of chemical components, however from nature, some of which --- even in small quantities --- contribute to their important therapeutic benefits.
Note: Each essential oil may contain more than one of the many consituents, in anaylsing the therapeutic effects of an oil, the full spectrum of its constituents and their respective therapeutic effects have to be studied carefully.
We are by this series, introducing to you 15 categories of essential oil constituents, in this 3rd of the three chapters, we will go into the remaining FIVE. If you have missed the previous chapters, please visit here:
Essential Oil 101 (13): Essential Oil Constituent Categories Part I
Essential Oil 101 (13): Essential Oil Constituent Categories Part II
11. Aldehydes
Aldehydes contain a carbonyl function group (C=O). The names of these constituents end in "-al" or followed by the word "-aldehyde". Aldehydes are known for their strong aromas (which is often citrusy). Aldehydes are anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, calming, sedative, hypotensive and cooling. They can also be calming to the nervous system, emotional stress relievers, and blood pressure reducers. Essential oils with high levels of aldehydes include Cinnamon Bark, May Chang, Lemon Balm, Citronella, Lemon and Lemongrass.
12. Ketones
Ketones are monoterpenes with closed ring and a polar carbonyl group, which produces a powerful strong, camphoraceous / mentol sinuses clearing aroma. Ketones usually ending in "-one" with one exception, camphor. Camphor is a ketone although without the name "-one". The therapeutic effects of ketones include cicatrisant, mycolytic, decongesting, anti-viral analgesic. Essential oils with higher levels of ketones include Hyssop, Spearmint, Rosemary, Yarrow, Turmeri cand Frankincense.*
13. Lactones
This constituent group is characterized by tongue-twisting names. Bergaptene is found in Fennel essential oil; furanogermacrene in Myrrh, and umbelliferone in Anise. Celery Seed is an oil with higher amounts of lactones. Lactones like ketones, are generally de-congesting and expectorant. They generally have mild aromas. They seem to have antiseptic, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Dr. Daniel Pénoël.
14. Coumarins
Coumarins contain a lactone as part of their structure. The lactone is joined to a benzene ring which contributes to their aromas. Coumarin names tend to end in "-in" or "-one". Coumarins is a chemical that is not found in distilled essential oil but is found in those formed by solvent extraction. Coumarins and Coumadin (the blood-thinning drug) are NOT similar, one is natural and one is synthetic, and they have very different chemical formulas. Coumarins have the fragrance of freshly cut hay or grass. In fact, when you mow your lawn, you are releasing coumarins into the air. They are found in Fleabane, Bitter Orange, Lavandin (in very minute quantities), and Cassia essential oils. Coumarins are powerful and can have strong therapeutic effects, even in small quantities. Coumarins have anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
15. Furanoids
Furanoids or furans are lactones or coumarins with names starting with "furano-" or "furo-" or ending with "furan". Most of the essential oils that contain furans are certain expressed citrus oils. Some essential oils with furanoids are photo-sensitive (they amplify the effects of the sun) like Angelica, Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Petitgrain, and Ruta (R. graveolens). Other oils containing furanoids, like Myrrh, Mandarin, Sweet Orange, and Tangerine, are NOT photo-sensitive. Myrrh is interesting in that it contains more furanoid components than any other essential oil (up to 27%) yet it is NOT photo-sensitive. Furanoids can have the benefits of lactones or coumarins.
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Source：
1) Life Science Products and Publishing Essential Oils Desk References (8th Edition) LifeScience Products and Publishing
2) The Chemistry of Essential Oils, by David Stewart, Ph D
3) l'aromathérapie exactement by Pierre Franchomme and Daniel Pénoël
4) Advanced Aromatherapy Diploma, Centre of Excellence
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